Three decades in the works, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center announced last week that it will open to the public on Dec. 2. The $621 million project, designed by the architectural firm RTKL Associates Inc., will encompass 580,000 square feet of subterranean space. The development is also restoring the landscape architecture of the East Capitol Grounds to reflect the original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, with gently sloping pathways, installed lanterns, rose-colored granite fountains, and tree-framed views of the Capitol.
Once the space opens, members of Congress or sponsored patrons will be able to book private events at the facility. The center will also include a two-lane truck tunnel to keep all loading and delivery activities below ground.The Capitol Visitor Center will be able to accommodate as many as 4,000 visitors at a time, and includes two 250-seat theaters, a 550-seat dining facility managed by Restaurant Associates, and a marble-walled, skylit exhibition hall displaying historical documents and artifacts. Although the project is near completion, the Visitor Center plans to undergo significant safety testing and will move in all staff and equipment before the December opening.
"We expect 3 million visitors annually to the Capitol, so we want to make sure that the route we've established for visitors to enter, see the film, and then proceed to the Capitol tour works and is comfortable for everyone," said Sharon Gang, Visitor Center marketing and communications manager. "We only have one chance to make a first impression when we open, and we want to make sure that impression is first-rate."
Once the space opens, members of Congress or sponsored patrons will be able to book private events at the facility. The center will also include a two-lane truck tunnel to keep all loading and delivery activities below ground.The Capitol Visitor Center will be able to accommodate as many as 4,000 visitors at a time, and includes two 250-seat theaters, a 550-seat dining facility managed by Restaurant Associates, and a marble-walled, skylit exhibition hall displaying historical documents and artifacts. Although the project is near completion, the Visitor Center plans to undergo significant safety testing and will move in all staff and equipment before the December opening.
"We expect 3 million visitors annually to the Capitol, so we want to make sure that the route we've established for visitors to enter, see the film, and then proceed to the Capitol tour works and is comfortable for everyone," said Sharon Gang, Visitor Center marketing and communications manager. "We only have one chance to make a first impression when we open, and we want to make sure that impression is first-rate."
A view of the Capitol from the sky-lit gallery in the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Photo: Architect of the Capitol
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's expansive skylights offer dramatic views of the Capitol.
Photo: Architect of the Capitol
The 580,000-square-foot space plans to accommodate up to 4,000 visitors at a time.
Photo: Architect of the Capitol
The $621 million project includes a restoration of the East Capitol Grounds to reflect Frederick Law Olmsted's original landscape design.
Photo: Architect of the Capitol
The center offers two 250-seat theaters.
Photo: Architect of the Capitol
